Compounds for use in the treatment of infection

ABSTRACT

There is provided a novel compound of the general formula I  
                 
 
in which each of R 8  to R 10  is hydrogen, aryl, C 1-6  alkyl, trialkylsilyl or acyl; R 1  to R 5  are individually selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy and acyloxy; R 6  and R 7  are H, C 1-4  alkyl, trialkylsilyl or acyl; X is O or NR, and R is H or Me; in which any of the alkyl groups including alkyl groups in alkoxy, acyl and acyloxy groups may be substituted by aryl, C 1-4  alkyl, C 1-4  alkoxy, hydroxyl, trialkylsiloxy or acyloxy groups; with the proviso that R 2  and R 3  are not both OH when R 4  is H or OH, R 1  and R 5  are both H, and X is O. The amide compounds (X is NR) are analogues of epigallocatechin gallate or epicatechin galate, with an amide bond in place of the natural ester bond, with resistance to hydrolysis by esterase enzymes. The ester compounds (X is O) have a different hydroxylation pattern on the B ring as compared to the natural products. The compounds may be used to modulate the resistance to β-lactam antibiotics of various infections, especially methicillin resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA). Pharmaceutical compositions containing the novel compounds and combinations of the novel compounds and β-lactam antibiotics are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/GB2005/002670, filedJul. 6, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to novel compounds of use in treatment ofmethicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection inconjunction with β-lactam antibiotics.

S. aureus is one of the major causes of both nosocomial andcommunity-acquired infections worldwide. The use and overuse of β-lactamagents and other antibiotics has resulted in intense selective pressureon bacterial populations and led to the emergence of multi-drugresistant bacteria that threaten our ability to treat seriousinfections, particularly in hospitals. Over the last 15 years there hasbeen a steady rise in the incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus(MRSA) and the latest figures from the PHLS Communicable DiseaseSurveillance Centre indicate that, in England and Wales, about 45% of S.aureus isolates are now resistant to this agent. Staphylococci show astrong tendency to accumulate antibiotic resistant genes and themajority of MRSA isolates are now resistant to a range of antibiotics.Ominously, MRSA strains carrying the enterococcal vanA gene complex andexpressing high-level resistance to vancomycin have recently beenidentified in clinical specimens from two unrelated cases. Theintroduction of Synercid and Linezolid and the anticipation of a thirdagent with activity against MRSA (Daptomycin) supplements the anti-MRSAarmamentarium but there remains an urgent need for new treatments forthese infections, in particular agents that suppress or abrogate theemergence of resistance. We are examining the therapeutic potential ofagents that do not directly kill the target bacterial population butmodify them to produce a “less fit” phenotype with reduced capacity tosurvive at the site of infection. There are conceptual reasons tosuppose that this approach will result in less selective pressure on thebacteria and delay the emergence of resistant genotypes.

Polyphenolic components extracted from Japanese green tea (Camelliasinensis) possessed a number of activities against methicillin resistantS. aureus (MRSA) (Yam, T. S. et al 1997; Yam, T. S. et al 1998;Stapleton, P. D. et al (2002)) in addition to weak direct antibacterialactivity, extracts were able to suppress the activity of staphylococcalβ-lactamases. In addition, at subinhibitory concentrations they werealso able to sensitise MRSA strains to methicillin and othersemi-synthetic β-lactam antibiotics; this effect was marked and reducedthe Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of test strains from fullresistance to below the antibiotic break point.

Initial observations were made using aqueous extracts of green tea;partition chromatography was then used to fractionate the material (Yam,T. S. et al. 1997). Activity was confined to one fraction that wasenriched for the compound epigallocatechin gallate ECg, an abundantpolyphenolic component of green tea, but other constituents were presentin small amounts.

Unfortunately, epicatechin gallate cannot be widely administered becauseit is broken down by esterases in the body to the inactive products,epicatechin and gallic acid (Kohri, T. et al, 2001).

It has been observed that MRSA grown in the presence of sub-inhibitoryconcentrations of tea extracts have thickened cell walls and formpseudomulticellular aggregates (Hamilton-Miller, J. M. T et al (1999)).Green tea administered as a spray has been successfully used in thetreatment of an MRSA infection of the trachea (windpipe) (Yamashita, S.et al (2001)).

Stapleton et al. (2004) describe some investigations into the molecularmechanism of β-lactam sensitisation to establish a basis for therational selection of pharmacologically acceptable molecules,investigated structure-activity relationships (SAR) to identifypharmacophores within active molecules. The capacity of catechins andgallates to modulate β-lactam resistance was evaluated by testing thecompound at a fixed concentration in combination with oxacillin.Modulating activity was defined as a greater than two-fold reduction inthe MIC of a β-lactam when tested in combination with a fixedsub-inhibitory concentration of the test compound. ECg converted MRSAstrain BB568, which has a MIC of 256 mg/Lfor oxacillin, to the fullydrug sensitive phenotype (1 mg/L) and below the breakpoint. EGCg reducedthe MIC of BB568 to 8 mg/L; epicatechin (EC) and epigallocatechin (EGC),the two most abundant non-gallyl catechins in tea, were inactive in thecombination assay. These compounds were tested against a comprehensivecollection of 40 MRSA strains isolated from a variety of countries;epidemic MRSA strains from the UK were included. With all strains, ECgreduced the MIC values to the susceptibility breakpoint or below.

The physical properties of ECg and EGCg suggest these molecules have thecapacity to intercalate into target membrane bilayers and perturb thefunction of key membrane-associated proteins in peptidoglycan synthesis,such as femA, femB and mecA gene products; it is highly likely that suchan interaction would also reduce or prevent the transport of proteinsnot essential for cell viability across the bilayer. Japanese workershave shown that catechins are able to bind to artificial lipid bilayers(Nakayama, T. et al 1998, Hashimoto, T. et al 1999) and recent work(Kajiya, K. et al 2001 and Kajiya, K. et al 2002) shows that bindingaffinities appear to correlate with the bioactivity of catechins in ourassay. Thus, ECg has a greater propensity to intercalate into thephospholipid palisade than EGCg, catechin or EC (Cartula, N. et al2003). Binding has been shown to be dependent upon the number ofhydroxyl groups on the B-ring catechins with two hydroxyl groups, suchas ECg, have a greater membrane binding capacity than those with threehydroxyl groups, such as EGCg (Kajiya, K. et al 2001). The binding ofECg to liposomes is enhanced in the presence of EC (Kajiya, K. et al2002).

Surprisingly, it has been found that intercalation of catechin gallatesinto the cytoplasmic membrane interferes with the export of proteinssuch as -toxin and coagulase and raises the possibility that thecompounds may reduce the virulence of Gram-positive bacteria such as S.aureus at the site of infection and thus significantly contribute totheir removal from the body by immune processes (Taylor, P. et al.2004).

SUMMARY

According to the invention there is provided a new compound of thegeneral formula I

in which R⁸ to R¹⁰ are individually selected from the group consistingof hydrogen, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, trialkylsilyl and acyl; R¹ to R⁵ areindividually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy,C₁₋₆ alkoxy and acyloxy; R⁶ and R⁷ are each selected from the groupconsisting of H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, trialkylsilyl and acyl;

X is O or NR, and R is H or Me; in which any of the alkyl groupsincluding alkyl groups in alkoxy, acyl and acyloxy groups may besubstituted by one or more aryl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, hydroxyl,trialkylsiloxy or acyloxy groups; with the proviso that R² and R³ arenot both OH when R⁴ is H or OH, R¹ and R⁵ are both H, and X is O.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferably, each of R¹ to R⁵ is selected from hydrogen or hydroxy. Mostpreferably, one or two of R¹ to R⁵ is/are hydroxy. When only one of R¹to R⁵ is hydroxy, this is preferably R² or R³ and the remainder of R¹ toR⁵ are H. A preferred compound wherein R² is OH, has H or OH as R⁴ and Has R¹, R³ and R⁵. In a further preferred embodiment, four of R¹ to R⁵are OH.

Compounds of the present invention may be esters (that is, wherein X isO) or amides (wherein X is NR).

With regard to the stereo chemistry of the compounds, it is preferredthat the compound be in one of the forms Ia or Ib

The stereoisomers with structure Ib are believed to have optimalactivity.

Compounds of the general formula I wherein X is NR and R² and R³ arehydroxy and each group R⁴, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, are analogues of thenaturally occurring compound ECg, wherein the ester linkage is replacedby an amide linkage. Compounds of this definition wherein R⁴ is not H,but OH, are analogues of the naturally occuring compound EGCg. Suchcompounds have similar activity to the corresponding ester and are lesssusceptible of esterase hydrolysis.

In general formula I, wherein X is NR, in the B ring (the upper ring),the substituents R¹ to R⁵ preferably include at least one group otherthan hydrogen para to the attachment to the C ring. The other group ispreferably ortho to this group. Where there are three substituents otherthan hydrogen, the substituents are preferably para and meta to theattachment. Preferably such substituents are hydroxyl or, for precursorcompounds, protected hydroxyl. Compounds in which there are 2substituents other than hydrogen are believed to have better membranebinding properties than those which have 3.

In the embodiment wherein X is NR, R is preferably H. R² and R³ arepreferably not both OH when R¹, R⁴ and R⁵ are H.

The pharmacological profile of naturally occuring compound ECg may beimproved by varying the degree of hydroxylation of the B-ring. Since ECgdiffers from EGCg only by the absence of a hydroxyl function, and ECghas a greater affinity for membrane bilayers than EGCg, it is believedthat further reduction in the degree of hydroxylation of the B-ring willenhance anti-MRSA effects by increasing the affinity of these analoguesfor lipid bilayers.

The following ester compounds are believed to have greater activity thanthe natural compounds:

Those compounds that do not possess the para-hydroxyl group in the Bring may also be less prone to epimerisation via a quinine methine-likeintermediate due to removal of this anchimeric substituent.

Preferably each of R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are H. In a further preferredembodiment, R⁶ and R⁷ are H.

Compounds in which any of the groups R⁶ to R¹⁰ represent other thanhydrogen may be precursors for the active compounds. It is possible thatthese precursors may be incorporated into compositions foradministration, provided they are capable of being metabolised in thebody to form the active compounds. Preferably, however, the precursorsare reacted, to generate hydroxyl groups from the protected hydroxylgroups represented by OR^(x) where R^(x) is one or more of R⁶ to R¹⁰.

Protecting groups R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ may be the same as or differentfrom one another. Usually R⁶ is the same as R⁷ and all groups R⁸ to R¹⁰are the same as one another. Preferably the groups R⁶ and R⁷ are thesame as the groups R⁸ to R¹⁰. Usually the protecting groups are reactedonto the hydroxyl groups of a compound already comprising the two rings(the B and D rings) in its skeleton. Consequently the same protectinggroups will be generated. By having the same protecting groups, whetheror not derived by reacting a compound having a skeleton including bothrings, or by conjugating together compounds having one or the otherring, deprotection can take place in a convenient and simple stepinvolving a single deprotection step. Where the groups R⁶ and R⁷ andgroups R⁸ to R¹⁰ are the same, the same deprotection step will removeall protecting groups. Of course a person skilled in the art would beable to devise sequential deprotection steps with different reagentswhere the groups are different.

Suitable hydroxyl protecting groups are tertiary butyldimethylsilyl(TBS), acyl, alkyl or aralkyl, such as benzyl or tertiary butyl.

The present invention provides novel compositions comprising the novelester and amide compounds as described above, and a carrier, forinstance pharmaceutical compositions which comprise a pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient. The invention also provides a method of treatmentof methicillin resistant S. aureus infection in which the novel compoundis administered to an human oranimal. Usually the compound isadministered in conjunction with a β-lactam antibiotic to treat a S.aureus infection. Compositions may, conveniently, contain both the novelcompound and the antibiotic.

The compounds are believed to have activity in reducing the β-lactamresistance of infections when co-administered at a level to give localconcentrations of around 0.5 to 10 mg/l. The compounds may beadministrable orally but preferably are administered systemically,preferably parenterally, or locally, for instance topically. Thecompositions are thus adapted for the appropriate mode ofadministration. A suitable daily dosage for an adult human patient maybe in the range 50 to 1000 mg/day. It may be necessary to administer thedaily dosage in several dosage units, for instance at intermittentperiods during the day.

According to the present invention there is also provided a method forsynthesising the novel compounds. In the new method a compound of theformula II

in which X¹ is O or NR²¹; R¹¹—R¹⁵ are either H or OR²²; R²¹ is H or Me;the or each R²² is a hydroxyl protecting group; and R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are eacha hydroxyl protecting group, is reacted with an acylating compound ofthe formula III

in which each of R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ is a hydroxyl protecting group and Lis a leaving group to produce a compound of the formula IV

in which X¹ and R¹¹—R²⁰ and R¹⁵ have the same meanings as in thestarting compounds.

Where X in the compound of formula II is NR²¹ and the desired finalproduct has a methyl substituent as a group R, this may be added by aderivatisation reaction carried out after formation of the amide bond,by reaction of a compound of the formula IV in which R²¹ is hydrogenwith a methylating reagent such as methyl halide.

The method of the invention may include deprotection steps following theformation of the ester or amide bond, in which one or more groupsR¹⁶—R²⁰ representing hydroxyl protecting groups are removed and replacedby hydrogen. If any of R¹¹—R¹⁵ represent protected hydroxyl groups,these too may be deprotected.

The starting amine is also a new compound. According to a further aspectof the invention such novel compounds are defined by formula X

in which

each of R³¹—R³⁵ is hydrogen or a protected hydroxyl group;

each of R³⁶ and R³⁷ is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group;

and R³⁸ is hydrogen, methyl or an amine protecting group.

In compounds of the formula X, a protected hydroxyl is a group OR^(y)where R^(y) is the hydroxyl protecting group. In the compounds thehydroxyl protecting groups may be any of those defined above withreference to compounds of the formula I. The amine protecting groups maybe any of those conventionally used in synthetic peptide chemistry, forinstance benzyloxycarbonyl, butyloxycarbonyl,fluorenyl-9-methoxy-carbonyl, 2-[biphenylyl-(4)]-propyl-2-oxycarbonyl-,dinitrophenyl, tosyl, alkyl or benzyl. Preferably R³⁸ is benzyl.

The amine compound, either the starting material of the formula IIwherein X¹ is NR²¹ or the novel compound of the formula X, may be madein a preliminary step by reductive amination of a compound of theformula V

in which the groups R¹¹ to R¹⁷ have the same meanings as in the compoundII with an amine reagent of general formula VIH₂NR²³   VIin which R²³ is hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aralkyl group, and areducing agent to produce a compound of formula VII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ and R²³ have the same meanings as in the respectivestarting compounds.

In this method, R²³ in the compound of formula VII produced in thereaction with amine reagent and reducing agent may be different to R²¹in the amine compound which is reacted with the acylating compound. Inthis case, the method includes the step of replacing the group R²³ ofthe compound of formula VII by a group R²¹ which is a hydrogen atom or amethyl group prior to reaction with the acylating compound. Preferably,R²³ is benzyl.

The method may also include a preliminary step in which the compound offormula V is produced by oxidation of an alcohol compound of the formulaVIII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ have the same meanings as in the compound of formulaV, using an oxidising agent. Preferably, the oxidising agent isDess-Martin periodinane.

Some ketone compounds of the formula V may be novel compounds. Accordingto a further aspect of the invention, there are claimed novel compoundscompound of formula IX

in which R²⁹ and R³⁰ are H or hydroxyl protecting groups and eachR²⁴—R²⁸ is H or a protected hydroxyl group.

The ketone compound of the formula IX may be produced by a method ofoxidation of an alcohol compound of the formula XI

in which each of R²⁴—R²⁸ is H, hydroxyl or a protected hydroxyl group;and R²⁹ and R³⁰ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group.

The alcohol starting compound of the formula XI or VIII, as the case maybe, may either be produced by wholly synthetic methods or, preferably,may be produced by hydrolysis of a naturally occurring EGCg or ECgcompound as the case may be.

Compounds of formula XI in which each of R²⁴—R²⁸ are H, hydroxyl or aprotected hydroxyl and R²⁹ and R³⁰ are each hydrogen or a hydroxylprotecting group may also be novel compounds. Accordingly, the presentinvention provides compounds of formula XIII

in which each of R⁴⁰—R⁴⁴ is H, hydroxyl or a protected hydroxyl group;and R⁴⁵ and R⁴⁶ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group.

The invention also provides a method of synthesising a compound offormula XIII including the preliminary steps of reacting the alkene offormula XIV

wherein each of R¹¹—R¹⁵ is H, hydroxyl or a protected hydroxyl, and R¹⁶and R¹⁷ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group and R⁴⁷ is ahydroxyl protecting group;

with a dihydroxylation reagent to give the corresponding diol of formulaXV

followed by reaction with an acetyl halide and ring closure to give thecompound of formula XIII.

Preferably the halide is bromide. A suitable hydroxylation reagent isAD-mix-β, although other suitable reagents may be used.

In this method, the alkene compound of formula XIV may be synthesised byreaction of starting aldehyde XVI with starting ketone of formula XVII

in which the groups of R¹¹—R¹⁷ and R⁴⁷ have the same meanings as in thedesired product XIV to give the adduct of the formula XVIII

in which R¹¹—R¹⁷ and R⁴⁷ are the same as in the starting compounds XVIand XVII followed by reduction and elimination to give the compound XIV.

The following compounds are also thought to be novel:

wherein each of R⁴⁸—R⁵² is H, hydroxyl or a protected hydroxyl andR⁵³—R⁵⁵ and R⁵⁶—R⁵⁷ (if present) are each hydroxyl or a hydroxylprotecting group.

In worked examples 1-7 below we show that an amide is morehydrolytically stable than the analogous ester. The examples illustratethe invention and support our hypothesis concerning the activity of theamide compounds. Example 8 describes the synthesis of two B-ringmodified (−)-epicatechin gallate analogues. Example 9 illustrates theefficacy of the compounds synthesised in example 8 as modulators forβ-lactam resistance in S. aureus.

EXAMPLE 1

Example 1A (−)-ECG-7TBS

To a solution of (−)-epicatechin gallate 1 (2.0 g, 4.4 mmol), in DMF (10mL) at 0° C. was added imidazole (3.0 g, 0.044 mol) followed bytert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (6.6 g, 0.044 mol) and the mixture wasallowed to warm to room temperature overnight. On completion of reactionthe mixture was diluted with water (20 mL). The product was thenpartitioned between ether (2×20 mL) and water (20 mL). The organics werethen combined, dried with MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo toyield a colorless oil which was purified by flash chromatography(eluting with 5% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 2 as a colorlessoil, 5.0 g, 91%; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.08-0.21 (m, 42H, 7×OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.90-0.98 (m, 63H, 7× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.97 (d, 2H,J 3.1, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.05 (s, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.56 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO),5.96 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.18 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.74 (d, 1H, J 8.7,ArH), 6.89 (d, 1H, J 2.1, ArH) 6.95 (dd, 1H, J 8.3, 2.1, ArH), 7.09 (s,2H, 2× ArH); δ_(C) (100 MHz, CDCl₃) −4.4, −4.3, −4.2 −4.1, −3.9, −3.7,18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.8, 25.7, 25.8, 25.9, 26.1, 26.7, 68.0, 76.7,101.7, 103.7, 103.9, 115.3, 119.3, 119.7, 120.8, 121.7, 131.1, 142.9,146.6, 148.2, 154.7, 154.9, 155.6, 165.0; MS (m/z). No mass ionobserved; [α]_(D) −57.9° (c 1.0, CHCl₃, at 25° C.).

EXAMPLE 1B EC4TBS-OH

To a solution of (−)-ECG-7TBS 2 (5 g, 4.0 mmol), in THF (200 mL) at 0°C. was added a solution of lithium aluminium hydride in THF (1M, 4.0 mL)and the mixture was monitored by TLC. After 30 minutes the mixture wasdiluted with water (0.4 mL) followed by the addition of 15% NaOH aq (0.4mL) followed by water (1.0 mL) and the resulting precipitate wasfiltered through celite. The crude product was purified by flashchromatography (eluting with 5% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 3as a colorless oil, 2.4 g, 80%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2930; δ_(H) (400 MHz,CDCl₃) 0.20-0.24 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.98 (s, 9H,OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.99 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.00 (s, 9H,OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.02 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.72 (d, 2H, J 6.2,ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.89 (brd, 1H, J 3.5, OH 4.22-4.24 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO),4.90 (s, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.99 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.14 (d, 1H, J 2.3,ArH), 6.86-6.88 (m, 2H, 2× ArH), 6.94 (d, 1H, J 2.0, ArH) 6.97-6.98 (m,2H, 2× ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, CDCl₃) −4.3, −4.0, −3.8, −3.7, 18.2, 18.3,18.5, 18.8, 25.7, 25.8, 26.0, 26.3, 28.7, 66.1, 78.1, 101.6, 104.1,119.4, 121.1, 131.3, 146.8, 147.0, 155.0, 155.1, 155.5; MS (FAB, m/z)747 (M+1, 100%), 729 (M−17, 55%); HRMS (FAB, m/z) found M 746.4221,C₃₉H₇₀O₆Si₄ requires M 746.4250; [α]_(D) −7.3 (c 1.0, CHCl₃, at 25° C.).

EXAMPLE 1C

To a solution of alcohol 3 (1.0 g, 1.3 mmol), in DCM (10 mL) at 0° C.was added Dess-Martin periodinane (620 mg, 1.4 mmol) and the mixture wasmonitored by TLC. After 9 hours the mixture partitioned between 1M NaOHaq (10 mL) and DCM (2×10 mL). The organics were then combined, washedwith brine (20 mL), dried with MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated invacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (elutingwith 5% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 4 as a colorless oil, 870mg, 91%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2928, 1508; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.15-0.25 (m,24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.96-1.03 (m, 36H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 3.50(d, 2H, J 2.3, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.26 (s, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.07 (d, 1H, J2.2, ArH), 6.28 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.81-6.82 (m, 3H, 3× ArH);δ_(C)(125 MHz, CDCl₃) −4.0, −3.9, −3.8, −3.7, 18.6, 18.8, 26.0, 26.1,26.3, 34.6, 83.3, 103.3, 105.3, 105.6, 119.8, 120.2, 121.4, 128.7,147.4, 147.5, 154.4, 154.9, 156.2, 205.8; MS (FAB, m/z) 744 (M+1, 100%),368 (M−376, 98%); HRMS (FAB, m/z) found M 744.4127, C₃₉H₆₈O₆Si₄ requiresM 744.4093; [α]_(D) +24.0° (c 1.2, CH₂Cl₂, at 24° C.).

Example 1D

To a solution of ketone 4 (500 mg, 0.67 mmol), in THF (10 mL) was addedbenzylamine (0.15 mL, 1.3 mmol) followed by acetic acid (3 drops) andthe mixture was stirred for 30 minutes before the addition of sodiumcyanoborohydride in THF (1M, 0.74 mL). The mixture was then stirred atroom temperature overnight. The product was partitioned between ether(2×20 mL) and water (20 mL). The organics were then combined, dried withMgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow oil whichwas purified by flash chromatography (eluting with 10% Et₂O: Pet Ether)to give the product 5 as a colorless oil, 250mg, 45%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2955,2930, 2858; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.16-0.27 (m, 24H, 4×OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.99-1.29 (m, 36H, 4×OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.70 (dd, 1H,J 17, 4.8, ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.78 (dd, 1H, J 17, 4.8, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.21-3.23(m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.71 (d, 1H, J 14, NCH₂Ar), 3.83 (d, 1H, J 14,NCH₂Ar), 5.09 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.99 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.14(d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.84-6.93 (m, 3H, 3× ArH), 7.12-7.28 (m, 5H, 5×ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, CDCl₃) −3.9, −3.8, −3.7, −3.6, 18.6, 18.7, 18.9,25.3, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 51.4, 53.1, 78.7, 101.8, 104.0, 105.6, 119.6,119.7, 121.2, 127.1, 128.3, 128.6, 132.5, 146.6, 147.1, 155.2, 156.1; MS(FAB, m/z) 836 (M+1, 75%), 484 (M−351, 100%); HRMS (FAB, m/z) found M836.4991, C₄₆H₇₈NO₅Si₄ requires M 836.4957; [α]_(D) −3.3° (c 1.0,CH₂Cl₂, at 23° C.).

Example 1E

To a solution of amine 5 (420 mg, 0.51 mmol), in EtOH (10 mL) and 5%palladium on activated carbon (10 mg) and the mixture was stirredvigorously under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 16 hours. The product wasfiltered through celite and concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown oilwhich was purified by flash chromatography (eluting with 20% Et₂O: PetEther) to give the product 6 as a colorless oil, 380 mg, 100%;ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2956, 2929, 2858; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.10-0.39 (m, 24H,4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.02-1.10 (s, 36H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.57-2.63(m, 2H, ArCH₂CHCHO and NH₂), 2.76-2.80 (m, 1H, NH₂), 2.89 (dd, 1H, J 16,5.0, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.29-3.31 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.17 (d, 1H, J 2.7,ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.06 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.19 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH),6.88-6.97 (m, 3H, 3× ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, CDCl₃) −4.0, −3.8, −3.7, 1.4,18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 42.1, 54.3, 78.5, 101.8,103.9, 105.9, 119.5, 119.8, 121.1, 132.3, 146.6, 147.1, 155.1, 155.2156.1; MS (FAB, m/z) 746 (M+1, 15%), 644 (M−101, 15%); HRMS (FAB, m/z)found M 746.4450, C₃₉H₇₂NO₅Si₄ requires M 746.4409; [α]_(D) −4.6° (c4.0, CH₂Cl₂, at 25° C.).

Example 1F

To a solution of protected gallic acid 7 (130 mg, 0.29 mmol), in DCM(5.0 mL) was added DCC (64 mg, 0.31 mmol) and DMAP (5 mg) and themixture was stirred for 20 minutes. Amine 6 (190 mg, 0.26 mmol) was thenadded in DCM (2.0 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 16 hours. The resulting precipitate was then filtered and thefiltrate concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow oil which was purifiedby flash chromatography (eluting with 20% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give theproduct 8 as a colorless oil, 210 mg, 68%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2954, 1582,1508; δ_(H) (500 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.25-0.38 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃),1.04-1.13 (m, 36H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 3.03 (dd, 1H, J 17, 3.1,ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.09 (dd, 1H, J 17, 5.1, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.95-4.97 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.16 (s, 2H, ArOCH₂Ph), 5.17 (s, 4H, 2× ArOCH₂Ph), 5.20 (s,1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.16 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.19 (d, 1H, J 8.4, NH), 6.34(d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.93-7.02 (m, 5H, 5× ArH) 7.37-7.52 (m, 15H, 15×ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, CDCl₃) −4.2, −4.1, −4.0, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5, 25.8,25.9, 26.0, 46.2, 71.3, 75.2, 101.8, 104.6, 105.0, 106.9, 118.8, 118.9,119.2, 121.0, 127.6, 127.7, 128.0, 128.1, 128.3, 128.6, 128.7, 130.1,131.0, 136.7, 137.5, 141.2, 146.7, 152.7, 155.2, 155.3, 155.5, 166.7; MS(EI, m/z) 1169 (M+1, 50%), 735 (M−433, 100%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M1168.5817, C₆₇H₉₄NO₉Si₄ requires M 1168.6006; [α]_(D) −12.3° (c 0.2,CHCl₃, at 28° C.).

Example 1G

To a solution of amide 8 (210 mg, 0.18 mmol), in EtOH (5.0 mL) and 5%palladium on activated carbon (5.0 mg) and the mixture was stirredvigorously under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 16 hours. The product wasfiltered through celite and concentrated in vacuo to yield a colorlessoil which was purified by flash chromatography (eluting with 30% Et₂O:Pet Ether) to give the product 9 as a colorless oil, 130 mg, 80%;ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 3339, 2930, 2858, 1613, 1514; δ_(H) (500 MHz, CDCl₃)0.21-0.34 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.99-1.11 (m, 36H, 4×OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.96 (dd, 1H, J 17, 2.5, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.11 (dd, 1H, J17, 5.5, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.74-4.76 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.17 (s, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.10 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.28 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.40(d, 1H, J 8.7, NH), 6.76-7.17 (m, 5H, 5× ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, CDCl₃)−4.3, −4.2, 18.3, 18.5, 25.8, 26.0, 46.9, 65.9, 76.8, 101.8, 104.1,104.5, 106.9, 118.6, 118.7, 121.2, 124.8, 131.0, 135.7, 144.3, 146.7,147.1, 155.1, 155.3, 155.4 168.4; MS (EI, m/z) 898 (M+l, 80%), 454(M−444, 100%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M 898.4568, C₄₆H₇₆NO₉Si₄ requires M898.4597; [α]_(D) −79.60 (c 2.5, CHCl₃, at 28° C.).

Example 1H Amide Derivative

To a solution of amide 9 (110 mg, 0.13 mmol), in THF (2.0 mL) andpyridine (0.5 mL) and 0° C. was added HF.Py complex (0.5 mL). After 2hours the reaction mixture was diluted with water (5 mL) and the productwas extracted into EtOAc (2×10 mL). The organics were then combined,washed with saturated CUSO₄ (5 mL), dried with MgSO₄, filtered andconcentrated in vacuo to yield a pale yellow solid which was purified byflash chromatography (eluting with 70% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give theproduct 10 as a colorless oil 20mg, 40%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹3320, 1604, 1516;δ_(H) (500 MHz, acetone) 2.87 (dd, 1H, J 16, 4.5, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.01 (ssuperimposing dd, 2H, J 16, 5.2, NH and ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.76-4.79 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.27 (d, 1H, J 1.8, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.06 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH),6.12 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.82-6.93 (m, 4H, 4× ArH), 7.06 (s, 1H, ArH),7.82 (brs, 7H, 7× OH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, acetone) 25.5, 46.6, 77.2, 95.0,95.8, 99.2, 106.6, 113.5, 114.9, 117.9, 125.7, 130.6, 136.0, 144.6,144.8, 145.1, 155.9, 156.7, 157.0, 166.2; MS (EI, m/z) 442 (M+1, 30%),233 (M−208, 55%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M 442.1126, C₂₂H₂₀NO₉ requires M442.1138; [α]_(D) −319.0° (c 0.2, CO(CH₃)₂ at 26° C.

Example 2 Effect of Compound of Example 1 on MIC of Oxacillin for MRSA

The compounds were assayed in the following way:

Bacterial strains: S. aureus BB568 (COL-type strain that carries mecAand pT181) was provided by Professor B. Berger-Bächi. EMRSA-15 andEMRSA-16 were clinical isolates from the Royal Free Hospital, London.

Antibacterial susceptibility testing: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration(MIC) was determined by both broth and agar dilution techniques. BrothMIC testing was performed in 96-well microtitre trays with an inoculumof about 10⁴ cfu in 100 μL of Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) (Oxoid,Basingstoke, United Kingdom) supplemented with 2% NaCl. MICdeterminations by agar dilution were carried out using Mueller-Hintonagar (Oxoid) with an inoculum of about 10⁴ organisms per spot. For bothmethods, MIC values were obtained after incubation at 35° C. for 24 h.S. aureus ATCC29213 was used as the standard.

The assays yielded the following data: TABLE 1 MIC of amide of example 1and ECG in MHB + 2% NaCl at 35° C. after 24 hrs incubation MIC (mg/L)Strain Ex 1 ECG BB 568 128/256 256 EMRSA 15 128/256 256 EMRSA 16 128/128128

TABLE 2 Effect of combination of amide of Example 1 & ECG on MIC ofOxacillin for MRSA MIC^(a) mg/L Ex 1 12.5 Ex 1 25 ECG 12.5 ECG 25 Strain— mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L BB 568 256/256 32/64 4/8 1 ≦0.5 EMRSA 15 32/32 1/1≦0.5/0.5  ≦0.5 ≦0.5 EMRSA 16 512/512 32/64 1/1 1 ≦0.5^(a)MIC of Oxacillin was determined in the absence (−) or presence ofeach compound at indicated concentrations. Cell growth was assessedafter incubation at 35° C. for 24 h.

Example 3 Esterase Resistance of Compound of Example 1

The product of example 1 was tested for in esterase sensitivity ascompared to ECG using commercially available porcine liver esterase(Sigma). ECG was totally hydrolysed to 10 min at 37° C. whereas thecompound of example 1 was not affected in this time.

Example 4 Effect of ECg on Protein Export

This example examines the capacity of ECg and the novel amide of example1 to modulate the export of proteins from S. aureus. S. aureus is grownin Mueller-Hinton broth containing various concentrates of ECg and amideof example 1. α-Toxin is detected in the growth medium by use of ananti-α-toxin antibodyapplied to exoproteins that are separated bySDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose membrane by electroblotting.The method will be used to determine the effect on export of DNase,alpha toxin, protein A and secreted β-lactamase. It is expected that theamide, as does ECg, will reduce the export of these proteins.

Example 5 Interaction of ECg and the Staphylococcal Membrane

The above observations are compatible with the concept that the compoundexerts its effects through interaction with the cytoplasmic membrane ofstaphylococci, rather than through interaction with a specific target(such as peptidoglycan or the transcription regulatory system) on orwithin the bacterial cell.

This example investigates the capacity of the compound of example 1 andECg to bind to staphylococcal cells: as shown in Table 3, the binding ofECg is enhanced by EC. It is expected that the binding of the amide ofexample 1 will be similarly enhanced. The method is based on Hashimoto,T. et al 1999. TABLE 3 Influence of epicatechin (EC) on binding ofepicatechin gallate (ECg) to EMRSA-16 cells Binding (%)^(a) Compound(s)added EC ECg EGCg EC 13.4 — — Ecg — 22 — EGCg — — 16.2 EC + Ecg 35.541.1 — Example 1 EC & Example 1^(a)Binding assessed by HPLC analysis of unbound catechin remaining inassay medium after cell removal.

Example 5

The steps to synthesise 12, 13, 16 and 18 were carried out as in Example1 Compound 14 was isolated from the product mixture containing compound13 by chromatography and it was present at a yield of 26%. To a solutionof ketone 16 (500 mg, 0.67 mmol), in THF (10 mL) was added benzylamine(0.15 mL, 1.3 mmol) followed by acetic acid (3 drops) and the mixturewas stirred for 30 minutes before the addition of sodiumcyanoborohydride in THF (1M, 0.74 mL). The mixture was then stirred atroom temperature overnight. The product was partitioned between ether(2×20 mL) and water (20 mL). The organics were then combined, dried withMgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow oil whichwas purified by flash chromatography (eluting with 10% Et₂O: Pet Ether)to give:

Product 17 as a colorless oil, 250 mg, 45%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2955, 2930,2858; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.16-0.27 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃),0.99-1.29 (m, 36H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.70 (dd, 1H, J 17, 4.8,ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.78 (dd, 1H, J 17, 4.8, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.21-3.23 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.71 (d, 1H, J 14, NCH₂Ar), 3.83 (d, 1H, J 14, NCH₂Ar),5.09 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.99 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.14 (d, 1H,J 2.3, ArH), 6.84-6.93 (m, 3H, 3× ArH), 7.12-7.28 (m, 5H, 5× ArH); δ_(C)(125 MHz, CDCl₃) −3.9, −3.8, −3.7, −3.6, 18.6, 18.7, 18.9, 25.3, 26.2,26.3, 26.4, 51.4, 53.1, 78.7, 101.8, 104.0, 105.6, 119.6, 119.7, 121.2,127.1, 128.3, 128.6, 132.5, 146.6, 147.1, 155.2, 156.1; MS (FAB, m/z)836 (M+1, 75%), 484 (M−35 1, 100%); HRMS (FAB, m/z) found M 836.4991,C₄₆H₇₈NO₅Si₄ requires M 836.4957; [α]_(D) −3.3° (c 1.0, CH₂Cl₂, at 23°C.);

Product 18 as a colorless oil, 68 mg, 26%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2955, 2929,2858; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.18-0.28 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃),0.98-1.06 (m, 36H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.50 (dd, 1H, J 15, 8.5,ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.96-3.07 (m, 3H, ArCH₂CHCHO and ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.64 (d, 1H,J 14, NCH₂Ar), 3.83 (d, 1H, J 14, NCH₂Ar), 4.70 (d, 1H, J 7.6,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.97 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.10 (d, 1H, J 2.4, ArH),6.86-6.90 (m, 3H, 3× ArH), 7.15-7.31 (m, 5H, 5× ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz,CDCl₃) −4.0, −3.8, −3.7, −3.6, 18.6, 18.7, 18.9, 26.0, 26.1, 26.2, 26.4,51.1, 54.8, 81.4, 101.7, 104.0, 106.0, 120.3, 120.6, 127.4, 128.3,128.8, 132.5, 147.4, 154.8, 155.2, 156.1; MS (FAB, m/z) 836 (M+1, 100%);HRMS (FAB, m/z) found M 836.4914, C₄₆H₇₈NO₅Si₄ requires M 836.4957;[α]_(D) +40.70 (c 0. 1, CH₂Cl₂, at 25° C.).

A solution of amine 17 (420 mg, 0.51 mmol), was formed in EtOH (10 mL)and contacted with 5% palladium on activated carbon (10 mg) and themixture was stirred vigorously under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 16hours. The product was filtered through celite and concentrated in vacuoto yield a brown oil which was purified by flash chromatography (elutingwith 20% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 19 as a colorless oil,380mg, 100%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2956, 2929, 2858; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃)0.10-0.39 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.02-1.10 (s, 36H, 4×OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.57-2.63 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CHCHO and NH₂), 2.76-2.80 (m,1H, NH₂), 2.89 (dd, 1H, J 16, 5.0, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.29-3.31 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.17 (d, 1H, J 2.7, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.06 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH),6.19 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.88-6.97 (m, 3H, 3× ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz,CDCl₃) −4.0, −3.8, −3.7, 1.4, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4,42.1, 54.3, 78.5, 101.8, 103.9, 105.9, 119.5, 119.8, 121.1, 132.3,146.6, 147.1, 155.1, 155.2 156.1; MS (FAB, m/z) 746 (M+1, 15%), 644(M−101, 15%); HRMS (FAB, m/z) found M 746.4450, C₃₉H₇₂NO₅Si₄ requires M746.4488; [α]_(D) −4.6° (c 4.0, CH₂Cl₂, at 25° C.).

Protected alcohol 14 was subjected to Dess-Martin Oxidation withperiodinane in DCM at 0° C., then oxidised further with NaO₂Cl in2-methyl-2-butene and t-butanol in pH4 buffer at room temperature toform acid 15 at 58% yield.

To a solution of 15 (600 mg, 1.1 mmol), in DCM (10 mL) was added DCC(230 mg, 1.1 mmol) and DMAP (5 mg) and the mixture was stirred for 20minutes. Amine 19 (670 mg, 0.92 mmol) was then added in DCM (5.0 mL) andthe mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The resultingprecipitate was then filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo toyield a yellow oil which was purified by flash chromatography (elutingwith 20% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 20 as a colorless oil, 950mg, 83%, containing small aromatic impurity; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2956, 2930,2858, 1669, 1473; δ_(H) (500 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.18-0.31 (m, 42H, 7×OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.99-1.09 (m, 63H, 7× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 3.03-3.04(m, 2H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.89-4.91 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.18 (s, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.09 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.20 (d, 1H, J 8.5, NH), 6.28 (d,1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.82 (s, 2H, 2× ArH), 6.89 (d, 1H, J 8.3, ArH), 6.98(d, 1H, J 2.1, ArH), 7.04 (dd, 1H, J 8.3, 2.2, ArH); δ_(C) (100 MHz,CDCl₃) −3.9. −3.8, −3.7, −3.5, −3.4, −3.3, −3.2, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 19.0,19.2, 26.1, 26.3, 26.5, 26.6, 28.0, 46.3, 77.7, 102.0, 104.9, 105.2,108.9, 113.2, 116.4, 117.0, 119.1, 119.2, 120.9, 121.3, 125.2, 126.9,129.0, 129.3, 131.4, 141.9, 144.0, 146.4, 146.9, 147.3, 148.8, 149.7,155.5, 155.6, 155.8, 162.8, 166.6; MS (EI, m/z) 898 (M+1, 80%), 454(M−444, 100%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M not obtained; [α]_(D) −23.1° (c2.5, CHCl₃, at 28° C.).

To a solution of amide 20 (110 mg, 0.13 mmol), in THF (2.0 mL) andpyridine (0.5 mL) and 0° C. was added HF.Py complex (0.5 mL). After 2hours the reaction mixture was diluted with water (5 mL) and the productwas extracted into EtOAc (2×10 mL). The organics were then combined,washed with saturated CuSO₄ (5 mL), dried with MgSO₄, filtered andconcentrated in vacuo to yield a pale yellow solid which was purified byflash chromatography (eluting with 70% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give theproduct 21 as a colorless oil 20mg, 40%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹3320, 1604, 1516;δ_(H) (500 MHz, acetone) 2.87 (dd, 1H, J 16, 4.5, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.01 (ssuperimposing dd, 2H, J 16, 5.2, NH and ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.76-4.79 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.27 (d, 1H, J 1.8, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.06 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH),6.12 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.82-6.93 (m, 4H, 4× ArH), 7.06 (s, 1H, ArH),7.82 (brs, 7H, 7× OH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, acetone) 25.5, 46.6, 77.2, 95.0,95.8, 99.2, 106.6, 113.5, 114.9, 117.9, 125.7, 130.6, 136.0, 144.6,144.8, 145.1, 155.9, 156.7, 157.0, 166.2; MS (EI, m/z) 442 (M+1, 30%),233 (M−208, 55%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M 442.1126, C₂₂H₂₀NO₉ requiresM442.1138; [α]_(D) −319.0° (c 0.2, CO(CH₃)₂ at 26° C.).

A solution of amine 18 (100 mg, 0.12 mmol), was formed in EtOH (10 mL)and contacted with 5% palladium on activated carbon (5.0 mg) and themixture was stirred vigorously under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 16hours. The product was filtered through celite and concentrated in vacuoto yield a yellow oil which was purified by flash chromatography(eluting with 50% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 22 as a colorlessoil, 80 mg, 91%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2956, 2929, 2858; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃)0.26-0.32 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.05 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃),1.06 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃),1.08 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.09 (s,9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.41 (brs, 2H, NH₂), 2.45 (dd, 1H, J 16, 9.8,ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.05 (dd, 1H, J 16, 5.4, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.24-3.29 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.49 (d, 1H, J 6.8, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.06 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH),6.20 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.94-7.01 (m, 3H, 3× ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz,CDCl₃) −4.0, −3.9, −3.7, −3.6, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 18.9, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3,26.6, 41.4, 56.0, 81.2, 101.7, 104.1, 106.0, 120.2, 120.7, 121.6, 132.4,147.4, 154.9, 155.2 156.1; MS (FAB, m/z) 746 (M+1, 20%), 367 (M−378,100%); HRMS (FAB, m/z) found M 746.4568, C₃₉H₇₂NO₅Si₄ requires M746.4488; [α]_(D) +14.40 (c 4.0, CH₂Cl₂, at 25° C.).

Protected alcohol 14 was subjected to Dess-Martin Oxidation withperiodinane in DCM at 0° C., then oxidised further with NaO₂Cl in2-methyl-2-butene and t-butanol in pH4 buffer at room temperature toform acid 15 at 58% yield.

To a solution of 15 (90 mg, 0.20 mmol), in DCM (5.0 mL) was added DCC(42 mg, 0.20 mmol) and DMAP (5 mg) and the mixture was stirred for 20minutes. Amine 22 (100 mg, 0.13 mmol) was then added in DCM (2.0 mL) andthe mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The resultingprecipitate was then filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo toyield a yellow oil which was purified by flash chromatography (elutingwith 30% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 23 as a colorless oil, 90mg, 59%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2929, 2858, 1582; δ_(H) (400 MHz,CDCl₃) 0.09-0.26(m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.84 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.98 (s,9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.00 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.02 (s, 9H,OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.53 (dd, 1H, J 17, 5.0, ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.70 (dd, 1H, J17, 2.1, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.72-4.76 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.30 (d, 1H, J 3.0,ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.03 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.19 (d, 1H, J 8.4, NH), 6.26 (d,1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.84-6.85 (m, 3H, 3× ArH), 6.99 (s, 2H, 2× ArH); δ_(C)(125 MHz, CDCl₃) −4.4, −4.3, −4.2, −4.1, 18.3, 18.5, 22.1, 25.7, 25.8,25.9, 46.9, 71.5, 75.2, 78.0, 101.4, 103.9, 104.1, 107.1, 118.2, 118.4,121.2, 127.6, 128.1, 128.2, 128.6, 129.9, 132.3, 136.7, 137.5, 141.4,147.0, 152.7, 154.6, 155.1, 155.5, 166.7; MS (EI, m/z) 1190 (M+Na, 50%),589 (M−578, 100%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M 1190.5826, C₆₇H₉₃NO₉NaSi₄requires M 1190.5825.

To a solution of amide 23 (100 mg, 0.11 mmol), in THF (2.0 mL) andpyridine (0.5 mL) at 0° C. was added HF.Py complex (0.5 mL). After 2hours the reaction mixture was diluted with water (5 mL) and the productwas extracted into EtOAc (2×10 mL). The organics were then combined,washed with saturated CuSO₄ (5 mL), dried with MgSO₄, filtered andconcentrated in vacuo to yield a pale yellow solid which was purified byflash chromatography (eluting with 70% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give theproduct 24 as a colorless oil 20 mg, 45%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 3275, 1521; δ_(H)(500 MHz, acetone) 2.77 (dd, 1H, J 16, 3.3, ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.94 (dd, 1H, J16, 5.5, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.56-4.62 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.10 (d, 1H, J 7.7,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.97 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.09 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH),6.79-6.92 (m, 4H, 4× ArH), 7.00 (d, 1H, J 2.0, ArH), 7.39 (d, 1H, J 8.4,NH), 7.77-7.79 (m, 2H, 2× OH), 8.00-8.09 (m, 3H, 3× OH), 8.25 (s, 1H,OH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, acetone) 25.0, 47.7, 79.4, 94.7, 95.4, 99.6, 106.7,114.0, 118.9, 144.8, 145.1, 155.9, 156.4, 157.0; MS not obtained,several techniques attempted; [α]_(D) +32.10 (c 1.0, CO(CH₃)₂ at 23°C.).

Example 6

To a solution of tri-O-Bn gallic acid (90 mg, 0.20 mmol), in DCM (5.0mL) was added DCC (42 mg, 0.20 mmol) and DMAP (5 mg) and the mixture wasstirred for 20 minutes. Amine 22 synthesised as in example above (100mg, 0.13 mmol) was then added in DCM (2.0 mL) and the mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The resulting precipitate wasthen filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellowoil which was purified by flash chromatography (eluting with 30% Et₂O:Pet Ether) to give the product 27 as a colorless oil, 90mg, 59%;ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 2929, 2858, 1582; δ_(H) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.09-0.26 (m, 24H,4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.84 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.98 (s, 9H,OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.00 (s, 9H, OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 1.02 (s, 9H,OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.53 (dd, 1H, J 17, 5.0, ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.70 (dd, 1H, J17, 2.1, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.72-4.76 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.11 (s, 2H,OCH₂Ph), 5.12 (s, 4H, 2× OCH₂Ph), 5.30 (d, 1H, J 3.0, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.03(d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.19 (d, 1H, J 8.4, NH), 6.26 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH),6.84-6.85, (m, 3H, 3× ArH), 6.99 (s, 2H, 2× ArH), 7.27-7.42 (m, 15H, 15×ArH); δ_(C) (125 MHz, CDCl₃) −4.4, −4.3, −4.2, −4.1, 18.3, 18.5, 22.1,25.7, 25.8, 25.9, 46.9, 71.5, 75.2, 78.0, 101.4, 103.9, 104.1, 107.1,118.2, 118.4, 121.2, 127.6, 128.1, 128.2, 128.6, 129.9, 132.3, 136.7,137.5, 141.4, 147.0, 152.7, 154.6, 155.1, 155.5, 166.7; MS (EI, m/z)1190 (M+Na, 50%), 589 (M−578, 100%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M 1190.5826,C₆₇H₉₃NO₉NaSi₄ requires M 1190.5825.

A solution of amide 27 (90 mg, 0.77 mmol) was formed in EtOH (5.0 mL)and there was added 5% palladium on activated carbon (5.0 mg) and themixture was stirred vigorously under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 16hours. The product was filtered through celite and concentrated in vacuoto yield a colorless oil which was purified by flash chromatography(eluting with 30% Et₂O: Pet Ether) to give the product 28 as a colorlessoil, 48 mg, 69%; ν_(max)/cm⁻¹ 3371, 2956, 2930, 2858; δ_(H) (400 MHz,CDCl₃) 0.04-0.26 (m, 24H, 4× OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 0.89-1.02 (m, 36H, 4×OSi(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₃), 2.12 (brs, 1H, OH), 2.55 (dd, 1H, J 17, 5.1,ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.71 (dd, 1H, J 17, 2.7, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.67-4.73 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.30 (d, 1H, J 3.3, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.01 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH),6.23 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.47 (d, 1H, J 8.3, NH), 6.79-6.82 (m, 2H, 2×ArH), 6.90 (s, 2H, 2× ArH), 7.27 (brs, 2H, 2× OH); δ_(C) (100 MHz,CDCl₃) −3.9, −3.8, −3.7, −2.5, 18.6, 18.8, 26.1, 26.3, 47.7, 78.3,101.8, 103.8, 104.4, 107.5, 118.5, 118.8, 121.6, 125.2, 132.5, 136.1,144.7, 146.7, 147.4, 154.8, 155.4, 155.9, 168.7; MS (EI, m/z) 920 (M+Na,25%), 898 (M+1, 100%); HRMS (EI, m/z) found M 898.4521, C₄₆H₇₆NO₉Si₄requires M 898.4512; [α]_(D) +4.4° (c 5.3, CHCl₃, at 28° C.).

Example 7

With the amide derivatives (21 and 24) in hand, their efficacy asmodulators for β-lactam resistance in S. aureus was evaluated bydetermining their capcity to reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) of oxacillin against MRSA strains BB 568, EMRSA-15 and EMRSA-16 asdescribed in example 2.

The galloyl amides 21 and 24 possessed extremely weak intrinsicantibacterial activity against three MRSA strains: BB 568 and the twoepidemic strains EMRSA-15 and EMRSA-16 (MIC mg/L, Table 4). This levelof activity was comparable to that found with ECg. Sub-inhibitoryconcentrations (25 mg/L) of 21 were able to reduce the resistance tooxacillin of all three strains examined (oxacillin MIC mg/L, Table 4).In particular, oxacillin against BB 568 by 21 (from 256 mg/L to 4-8mg/L) was less than that observed with ECg, but represented a very largediminution of sensitivity. Compound 24 was less effective that 21 withregard to its capacity to modify the sensitivity to oxacillin of BB 568and EMRSA-16, although a significant degree of sensitisation wasobserved with MRSA-15 (Table 4).

The results show that sub-inhibitory concentrations (25 mg/L) of theamide analogue 21 possessing the natural C-3 stereochemistry, was ableto reduce the resistance of three strains of methicillin resistant S.aureus (BB 568, EMRSA-15 and EMRSA-16) to oxacillin comparable to levelsachieved with ECg. The higher activity of amide 21, compared to amide 24indicates that carbonyl derived linkers demonstrating the natural 3Rstereochemistry may provide compounds for improvedsensitisation of MRSAisolates to a wide spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics. TABLE 4Antibacterial activity of ECg 21 and 24 and in combination withoxacillin against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)strains MRSA MIC (mg/L) Oxacillin MIC (mg/L) strain ECg 21 24 — ^(b) ECg21 ^(b) 24 ^(b) BB 568 256 256 256 256/256 ≦0.5 4/8 64/64 EMRSA 256 256256 32/32 ≦0.5 ≦0.5/≦0.5 2/4 15 EMRSA 128 128 128 512/512 ≦0.5 1/1256/512 16^(b) results for 2 separate experiments given

Example 8

Reagents: (i) K₂CO₃, BnBr, DMF, rt, 16 h, 69%; (ii) NaH, MOMCl, THF 0°C. to rt, 88%; (iii) KOH aq. (50%), EtOH, THF, rt, 16 h, R═H 69%, R═OBn94%; (iv) Catechol borane, THF, −78° C. to rt, R═H 86% crude, R═OBn 86%crude;(v) NaBH₄, MeOH, rt, R═H 99% crude, R═OBn 99% crude; (vi) PPh₃,Br₂, Et₃N, CH₂Cl₂, 0° C. to rt, R═H 85%, R═OBn 99%; (vii) DBU, PhMe,110° C., 16 h, R═H 57%, R═OBn 53%; (viii) AD-mix-β®, t-BuOH, H₂O,MeSO₂NH₂, 0° C., 5 days, R═H 65% @75% ee, 48% @>99% ee, R═OBn 82% @75%ee, 46% @>99% ee; (ix) HCl, MeOH, Et₂O, reflux, 5 h, R═H 100% crude,R═OBn 100% crude; (x) HC(OMe)₃, PPTS cat., CH₂Cl₂, rt; w/up then AcBr,CH₂Cl₂, rt, R═H 88% crude, R═OBn 91% crude; (xi) K₂CO₃, acetone, rt, 5h; w/up then K₂CO₃, MeOH rt, 16 h, R═H 61%, R═OBn 45%; (xii) DCC,tri-OBn gallic acid, DMAP, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 16 h, R═H 64%, R═OBn 67%; (xiii)H₂, 10% Pd(OH)₂/C, EtOAc, rt, 12 h, R═H 94%, R═OH 37%.

4,6Dibenzyloxy-2-O-methoxymethylbenzaldehyde (30). To a stirred solutionof aldehyde 29 (5.0 g, 35 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (9.7 g,70 mmol) followed by BnBr (8.4 mL, 70 mmol) and the mixture was stirredat rt overnight. The mixture was then diluted with Et₂O (100 mL) andwashed with H₂O (100 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated invacuo to yield a yellow solid which was recrystallised from Et₂O tofurnish the 4,6-dibenzyl protected aldehyde as a pale yellow semi-solid(8.1 g, 69%); IR ν_(max) 2922, 1635 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 5.04(s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.06 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 6.14 (d, 1H, J 2.1, ArH) 6.17 (d,1H, J 2.1, ArH), 7.37-7.50 (m, 10H, ArH), 10.24 (s, 1H, CHO); 13C NMR(100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 70.9, 80.1, 92.8, 94.6, 106.8, 127.5, 127.9, 128.0,128.1, 128.8, 128.9, 129.0, 129.2, 129.3, 136.1, 163.1, 166.6, 166.8,192.4; MS (ES, m/z) 334 (M⁺, 20%), 91 (Bn⁺, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found334.1215, C₂₁H₁₈O₄ requires 334.1205.

To a stirred solution of NaH (2.6 g, 66 mmol) in THF (100 mL) at 0° C.was added the 4,6-dibenzyl protected aldehyde (11 g, 33 mmol), in THF(30 mL). After 5 min. MOMCl (5.0 mL, 33 mmol) was added and the mixtureallowed to warm to rt. Brine (5.0 mL) was then added and the reactionpartitioned between Et₂O (100 mL) and H₂O (100 mL), the organic layerwas dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield aldehyde30 as a brown oil (11 g, 88%); IR ν_(max) 3063, 3031, 2875 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 3.53 (s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 5.09 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.15(s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.27 (s, 2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.30 (d, 1H, J 2.1, ArH), 6.48(d, 1H, J 2.1, ArH), 7.35-7.48 (m, 10H, ArH), 10.49 (s, 1H, CHO); 13CNMR(100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 56.9, 70.8, 71.0, 94.5, 95.1, 95.4, 110.5, 127.4,127.5, 128.1, 128.4, 128.8, 128.9, 129.0, 129.1, 129.2, 136.2, 136.5,161.8, 163.3, 165.3, 188.0; MS (ES, m/z) 378 (M⁺, 10%), 91 (Bn⁺, 100%);HRMS (ES, m/z) found 378.1456, C₂₃H₂₂O₅ requires 378.1467.

3′,4,6-Tribenzyloxy-2-O-methoxymethyl-E-retro-chalcone (32). To asolution of acetophenone 31 (6.9 g, 32 mmol) in EtOH (100 mL) was addedaq. KOH soltn. (10 mL of 50% m/v) and the mixture stirred at rt for 20min. A solution of benzaldehyde 30 (11 g, 29 mmol) in THF (50 mL) wasthen added, and the mixture stirred overnight. The precipitate which hadformed was then filtered and washed with Et₂O to yield chalcone 32 (12g, 69%), as a fine yellow powder; mp 108-10° C.; IR ν_(max) 3064, 3032,2933, 1601, 1566, 1159 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) d 3.60 (s, 3H,OCH₂OCH₃), 5.16 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.17 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.19 (s, 2H,OCH₂Ph), 5.35 (s, 2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.46 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.62 (d, 1H,J 2.2, ArH), 7.19-7.21 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.28-7.30 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.42-7.57(m, 15H, ArH), 7.66 (d, 1H, ArH), 7.99 (d, 1H, J 16, ArCH═CHCO), 8.41(d, 1H, J 16, ArCH═CHCO); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 56.9, 70.5, 70.7,71.4, 94.5, 94.9, 95.3, 108.2, 114.0, 119.9, 121.7, 122.5, 128.1, 128.5,128.6, 128.7, 128.8, 129.0, 129.1, 129.3, 129.8, 136.2, 136.5, 136.7,137.2, 140.9, 159.4, 159.9, 161.3, 162.5, 191.5; MS (ES, m/z) 586 (M⁺,7%), 91 (Bn⁺, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 586.2340, C₃₈H₃₄O₆ requires586.2355.

1-(3′-Benzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″-O-methoxymethyl-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propan-1-ol(33). Catechol borane (1M solution in THF, 10 mL, 10 mmol) was addeddropwise to a stirred solution of chalcone 32 (5.0 g, 8.5 mmol) in THF(80 mL) at −78° C. The mixture was allowed to warm to rt and stirred fora further 1 h before acetone (10 mL) and sat. aq. NH₄Cl (10 mL) wereadded. The mixture was extracted into Et₂O (2×50 mL), the combinedorganic layers washed with 2M NaOH (50 mL) and brine (50 mL), then dried(MgSO₄) filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to afford the correspondingketone (4.3 g, 86%). The crude ketone was immediately dissolved inmethanol (30 mL) and NaBH₄ (310 mg, 8.0 mmol) was added at rt. Themixture was stirred for 1 h before all volatile material was removed invacuo, H₂O (50 mL) added and the mixture extracted into Et₂O (3×30 mL).The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄) filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo to give alcohol 11 (5.0 g, 99%) as a pale yellowsolid; mp 120-2° C.; IR ν_(max) 3500, 2931, 1604 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) d 1.95-2.08 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CH₂CHOH), 2.90-2.92 (m, 2H,ArCH₂CH₂CHBr), 3.52 (s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 4.61 (dd, 1H, J 8.8, 4.3,ArCH₂CH₂CHOH), 5.07 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.08 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.09 (s, 2H,OCH₂Ph), 5.23 (s, 2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.41 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH, 6.55 (d, 1H, J2.2, ArH), 6.90 (ddd, 1H, J 8.2, 2.6, 0.8, ArH), 6.93 (d, 1H, J 8.2ArH), 7.06 (apt, 1H, J 2.6, ArH), 7.26 (t, 1H, J 8.2 ArH), 7.35-7.50 (m,15H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 19.7, 39.3, 56.7, 70.3, 70.7,70.9, 73.4, 94.8, 95.0, 95.3, 112.1, 112.8, 113.9, 118.9, 127.7, 128.0,128.1, 128.3, 128.4, 128.5, 129.0, 129.1, 129.7, 137.3, 137.6, 146.9,156.9, 158.3, 158.9, 159.3; MS (ES, m/z) 613 (M⁺⁺Na, 80%), 523 (M⁺−67,100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 613.2578, C₃₈H₃₈O₆Na requires 613.2566.

(E)-1-(3′-Benzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″-O-methoxymethyl-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propene(34). To a stirred solution of PPh₃ (1.4 g, 5.4 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL)at 0° C. was added Br₂ (0.30 mL, 5.4 mmol) dropwise and after 5 min,Et₃N (0.90 mL, 9.7 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred for a further5 min. A solution of the alcohol 33 (2.1 g, 3.6 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL)was then added dropwise and the mixture allowed to warm to rt. After 2 hthe mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by flashchromatography (neutral alumina, 50% Et₂O/hexanes) to afford the bromideas a yellow oil (2.0 g, 85%); IR ν_(max) 2931, 1594, 1150 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 2.50-2.58 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CH₂CHBr), 2.74-2.76 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CH₂CHBr), 2.89-2.93 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CH₂CHBr), 3.52 (s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃),5.05-5.09 (m, 7H, 3× OCH₂Ph and ArCH₂CH₂CHBr), 5.21 (dd, 2H, J 8.0, 6.7,OCH₂OCH₃), 6.37 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.53 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.89(ddd, 1H, J 8.2, 2.5, 0.8, ArH), 7.00 (d, 1H, J 7.8 ArH), 7.07 (t, 1H, J2.2, ArH), 7.20-7.23 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.33-7.47 (m, 15H, 15× ArH); 13C NMR(100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 22.5, 39.8, 56.0, 56.5, 56.6, 70.5, 70.6, 70.7, 94.6,94.9, 95.1, 111.8, 114.7, 120.5, 127.6, 127.7, 127.9, 128.0, 128.1,128.3, 128.5, 129.0, 130.0, 137.3, 137.4, 137.6, 144.3, 157.0, 158.3,159.0, 159.3; MS (FAB, m/z) 654 (M⁺, 100%); HRMS (FAB, m/z) found654.1809, C₃₈H₃₇O5Br requires 654.1804.

A solution of bromide (3.3 g, 5.0 mmol) in DBU and toluene (25 mL, 4:1),was heated to reflux overnight. The mixture was then allowed to cool andextracted into Et₂O (3×25 mL). The combined organic layers were dried(MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flashchromatography (Silica, 20% Et₂O/hexanes) gave styrene 34 (1.68 g, 57%)as a colorless oil; IR ν_(max) 3031, 2929, 1592 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) d 3.53 (s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 3.63-3.64 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CH═CH),5.08-5.10 (m, 2H, 3× OCH₂Ph), 5.24 (s, 2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.38-6.41 (m, 3H,ArCH₂CH═CH and ArH), 6.55 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.95-7.00 (m, 1H, ArH),7.24 (t, 1H, J 4.3, ArH), 7.33-7.50 (m, 16H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz,CDCl₃) d 27.0, 56.5, 70.3, 70.4, 70.7, 94.7, 95.0, 95.1, 110.9, 112.7,113.6, 127.7, 127.9, 128.0, 128.1, 128.2, 128.3, 128.5, 129.0, 129.7,129.8, 130.2, 137.4, 137.6, 140.1, 156.8, 158.3, 159.1, 159.4; MS (ES,m/z) 573 (M⁺, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 573.2556, C₃₈H₃₇O₅ requires573.2641.

(1R,2R)-1-(3′Benzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″-O-methoxymethyl-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propane-1,2-diol(13). To a solution of AD-mix-β® (5.0 g) in t-BuOH (30 mL) and H₂O (30mL) at 0° C. was added methane sulfonamide (270 mg, 2.9 mmol) followedby styrene 34 (1.5 g, 2.6 mmol) in THF (30 mL) and the mixture stirredat 0° C. for 5 days. Solid sodium sulfite (5 g) was added and theproduct was extracted into EtOAc (3×30 mL), the combined organics dried(MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield the crude productwhich was purified by flash chromatography (Silica, 80% Et₂O/hexanes) toyield the desired product 35 as a white solid (1.0 g, 65%, 75% ee byHPLC24) that was then recrystallised (80% Et₂O/EtOAc) to giveenantiomerically pure 35 (740 mg, 48%); mp 114-116° C.; IR ν_(max) 3405,2964, 2923, 2851, 1605 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) d 2.60 (brs, 1H,OH), 2.97 (dd, 1H, J 14, 5.8, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 3.03 (dd, 1H, J 14,8.1, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 3.36 (brs, 1H, OH), 3.53 (s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃),4.02-4.05 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 4.60 (d, 1H, J 4.8,ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 5.11-5.13 (m, 6H, 3× OCH₂Ph), 5.22 (dd, 2H, J 11,6.7, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.47 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.58 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.98(dd, 1H, J 8.2, 2.0, ArH), 7.03 (d, 1H, J 8.2, ArH), 7.15 (apt, 1H, J2.0, ArH), 7.32 (t, 1H, J 8.2, ArH), 7.40-7.53 (m, 15H, ArH); 13C NMR(100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 27.9, 56.7, 70.4, 70.7, 71.0, 76.1, 76.7, 94.9, 95.1,95.2, 108.7, 113.8, 114.3, 119.8, 127.7, 128.0, 128.1, 128.4, 128.5,128.6, 129.0, 129.2, 129.7, 137.2, 137.5, 143.4, 157.2, 158.5, 159.3,159.4; MS (ES, m/z) 629 (M⁺⁺Na, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 629.2629,C₃₈H₃₈O₇Na requires 629.2515; [α]_(D) +9.9° (c 0.1, CH₂Cl₂, at 21° C.).

(1R,2R)-1-(3′Benzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″hydroxy-4−,6−-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propane-1,2-diol(36). To a solution of diol 13 (740 mg, 1.2 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) andEt₂O (10 mL) was added conc. HCl (5 drops) and the mixture heated atreflux for 5 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo, diluted withEtOAc and washed with H₂O, the organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filteredand concentrated in vacuo to yield the product 14 as a white solid (730mg, 100%); mp 120-2° C.; IR ν_(max) 3436, 2923, 1739 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) d 2.81 (dd, 1H, J 15, 8.5, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 2.97 (dd, 1H,J 15, 3.8, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 4.00-4.04 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)),4.50 (d, 1H, J 6.3, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 4.90 (dd, 2H, J 14, 12, OCH₂Ph),4.99-5.01 (m, 4H, OCH₂Ph), 6.26 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.31 (d, 1H, J 2.3,ArH), 6.88-6.92 (m, 1H, ArH), 6.99-7.00 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.17-7.20 (m, 2H,ArH), 7.33-7.47 (m, 15H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 27.1, 70.4,70.5, 77.2, 77.3, 93.9, 96.3, 106.7, 119.8, 127.2, 127.3, 128.0, 128.1,128.4, 128.9, 129.0, 130.1, 137.3, 137.4, 142.6, 157.7, 158.3, 159.3,159.5; MS (ES, m/z) 585 (M⁺⁺Na, 40%), 563 (M⁺, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z)found 563.2358, C₃₆H₃₅O₆ requires 563.2434; [α]_(D) −15.6° (c 3.7,CH₂Cl₂, at 24° C.).

(1S,2R)-1-Bromo-2-formate (37). To a solution of triol 36 (730 mg, 1.3mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) was added trimethyl orthoformate (1.4 mL, 13mmol) followed by PPTS (5.0 mg) and the mixture stirred at rt for 10min. The mixture was then washed with satd. aq. NaHCO₃ (10 mL), dried(MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to in vacuo. The crude cyclicorthoformate was then redissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL), treated with AcBr(0.14 mL, 1.9 mmol) and stirred for 10 min at rt. The mixture was thenwashed with satd. aq. NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and concentrated in vacuo to affordbromo formate 37 as a brown foam (750 mg, 88%). This compound was usedimmediately without purification or characterization.

(2R,3R)-3′-Benzyloxy-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyflavan (38). Crude bromo formate37 (750 mg, 1.1 mmol) was treated with K₂CO₃ (170 mg, 1.1 mmol) inacetone (10 mL) and stirred at rt over 5 h. The mixture was diluted withH₂O (5.0 mL), extracted into EtOAc (3×10 mL), the combined organicsdried with (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to dryness. The resultingcompound was then redissolved in MeOH (10 mL), treated with K₂CO₃ (170mg, 1.1 mmol) and the mixture stirred at rt overnight. The mixture wasthen concentrated in vacuo, extracted into EtOAc (3×15 mL), the combinedorganics dried (MgSO₄), filtered, concentrated to dryness and theproduct purified by flash chromatography (Silica, 50% Et₂O/hexanes) togive 16 as a colorless oil (310 mg, 61%); IR ν_(max) 3439, 3031, 2924,1619, 1592 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) d 3.06 (dd, 1H, J 17, 4.4,ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.11 (dd, 1H, J 9.8, 2.1, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.39 (brs, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.10-5.15 (m, 5H, ArCH₂CHCHO, and 2× OCH₂Ph), 5.19 (s, 2H,OCH₂Ph), 6.38 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.40 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 7.06 (dd,1H, J 8.2, 2.5, ArH), 7.18 (dd, 1H, J 8.2, 0.6, ArH), 7.29 (s, 1H, ArH),7.41-7.56 (m, 16H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 28.3, 66.5, 69.9,70.1, 70.2, 78.6, 94.2, 94.7, 101.0, 113.0, 114.4, 118.8, 127.2, 127.3,127.7, 128.0, 128.1, 128.6, 128.7, 129.8, 136.9, 137.1, 139.9, 155.2,158.4, 158.8, 159.1; MS (ES, m/z) 567 (M⁺⁺Na, 20%), 545 (M⁺, 100%); HRMS(ES, m/z) found 567.21 11, C₃₆H₃₂O₅Na requires 567.2147; [α]_(D) −25.7°(c 3.4, CH₂Cl₂, at 23° C.).

(−)-3-hydroxy B ring modified (−)-ECg (47). To a solution of gallic acid(54 mg, 0.12 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5.0 mL) was added DCC (25 mg, 0.12 mmol)and the mixture was stirred at rt for 5 mins. Alcohol 38 (42 mg, 0.081mmol) was then added in CH₂Cl₂ (5.0 mL) followed by DMAP (5.0 mg) andthe mixture was stirred at rt overnight. The mixture was then filtered,concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography (Silica, 10%Et₂O/hexanes) to yield the globally protected gallate ester as acolorless oil (49 mg, 64%); IR ν_(max) 2923, 2851, 1707, 1590 cm⁻¹; 1HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 3.19 (d, 2H, J 3.4, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.82 (d, 1H, J11, OCH₂Ph), 4.91 (d, 1H, J 11, OCH₂Ph), 5.08-5.10 (m, 11H, ArCH₂CHCHO,and 5× OCH₂Ph), 5.70-5.71 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.39 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH),6.47 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.93 (dd, 1H, J 7.9, 2.2, ArH), 7.06 (d, 1H, J7.9, ArH), 7.20-7.21 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.33-7.52 (m, 33H, ArH); 13C NMR (100MHz,CDCl₃) d 26.5, 69.2, 70.4, 70.6, 71.4, 71.9, 75.0, 78.1, 94.4, 95.2,101.4, 109.5, 110.6, 113.7, 114.9, 119.6, 127.7, 128.0, 128.1, 128.2,128.4, 128.5, 128.6, 128.7, 129.0, 129.1, 129.9, 137.0, 137.3, 137.9,139.9, 142.9, 152.8, 156.0, 158.5, 159.3, 165.6; MS (ES, m/z) 967 (M⁺,5%), 647 (M⁺−318, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 967.3859, C₆₄H₅₅O₉requires 967.3846; [α]_(D) −31.4° (c 3.3, CH₂Cl₂, at 23° C.).

A solution of the globally protected gallate ester (170 mg, 0.18 mmol)and 10% Pd(OH)₂ (10 mg) in EtOAc (10 mL) was stirred under an atmosphereof H₂ (balloon) for 12 h. The mixture was then filtered through celite,concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography (Silica,Et₂O) to yield the product (−)-47 as an off-white solid 72 mg, 94%; IRν_(max) 3329 (br), 2950, 1607 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (500 MHz, (CD₃)₂CO) d 2.99(dd, 1H, J 18, 2.0, ArCH₂CHCHO), 3.12 (dd, 1H, J 18, 4.6, ArCH₂CHCHO),3.15 (brs, 1H, OH), 5.27 (s, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.64-5.66 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.11 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.12 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.77(ddd, 1H, J 8.0, 2.5, 0.9, ArH), 7.07-7.20 (m, 5H, ArH), 8.36 (brs, 5H,OH); 13C NMR (125 MHz, (CD₃)₂O) d 13.5, 68.4, 77.2, 94.9, 95.7, 98.0,109.0, 113.9, 114.6, 117.7, 120.8, 129.0, 138.0, 140.4, 145.1, 156.0,156.6, 157.0, 157.2, 165.1; MS (ES, m/z) 449 (M⁺⁺Na, 65%), 257 (M⁺−151,100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 449.0818, C₂₂H₁₈O₉Na requires 449.0846;[α]_(D) −130.80 (c 0.3, (CH₃)₂CO, at 23° C.).

3′,4,5′,6-Tetrabenzyloxy-2-O-methoxymethyl-E-retro-chlacone, (40).Acetophenone 39 (3.3 g, 13 mmol) and benzaldehyde 30 (4.2 g, 11 mmol)were condensed in an identical manner to the preparation of 32 to give40 (6.5 g, 94%), as a fine yellow powder; mp 108-10° C.; IR ν_(max)2933, 2872, 1650, 1585, 1568, 1454 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 3.59(s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 5.09 (s, 4H, 2× OCH₂Ph), 5.16 (s, 2H OCH₂Ph), 5.20(s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.34 (s, 2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.28 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.60(d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.84, (t, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 7.23 (t, 1H J 2.3, ArH),7.35-7.53 (m, 20H, ArH), 7.94 (d, 1H J 16, ArCH₂CH═CHCO), 8.41 (d, 1H J16, ArCH₂CH═CHCO); 13C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) d 56.1, 70.1, 70.3, 70.9,94.4, 94.5, 94.7, 95.0, 106.9, 107.4, 107.7, 122.3, 126.7, 127.3, 127.5,127.6, 127.7, 127.8, 128.1, 128.3, 128.7, 128.9, 136.1, 139.7, 159.5,159.6, 160.7, 162.1, 191.4; MS (ES, m/z) 693 (M⁺, 20%); HRMS (ES, m/z)found 693.2817, C₄₅H₄₁O₇ requires 693.2852.

1-(3′,5′-Dibenzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″-O-methoxymethyl-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propan-1-ol(41). In an identical manner to the preparation of 33 chalcone 40 (5.9g, 9.5 mmol) was converted into crude ketone (4.7 g, 86%) and thenalcohol 41 (4.7 g, 99%) as a pale yellow solid; mp 119-20° C.; IRν_(max) 3575, 2946, 1594, 1497, 1453 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d1.99 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CH₂CHOH), 2.87 (m, 3H, ArCH₂CH₂CHOH and OH), 3.50 (s,3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 5.02 (s, 4H, 2× OCH₂Ph), 5.07 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.21 (s,2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.37 (s, 1H, ArH), 6.57 (s, 2H, ArH), 6.68 (s, 2H, ArH),7.24-7.47 (m, 20H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) d.7, 39.2, 56.6, 70.5,70.8, 73.5, 94.8, 95.0, 95.3, 101.1, 105.4, 112.0, 127.6, 128.0, 128.1,128.3, 128.4, 128.5, 129.0, 129.1, 137.3, 147.8, 156.158.3, 160.3; MS(ES, m/z) 719 (M⁺⁺Na, 30%), 239 (M⁺−480, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found719.2916 C₄₅H₄₅O₇Na requires 719.2985.

(E)-1-(3′,5′-Dibenzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″-O-methoxymethyl-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propene(42). In an identical manner to the preparation of 34 alcohol 41 (2.5 g,4.0 mmol) gave the corresponding bromide (2.8 g, 99%) as a white solid;mp 114-5° C.; IR ν_(max) 3062, 2932, 1595, 1497, 1453 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) d 2.51 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CH₂CHBr), 2.78 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CH₂CHBr),2.93 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CH₂CHBr), 3.52 (s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 5.06 (m, 8H, 4×OCH₂Ph), 5.21 (s, 2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.36 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 5.85 (d, 1H,J 2.2, ArH), 6.59 (t, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.75 (d, 2H, J 2.2, ArH),7.33-7.53 (m, 20H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 22.5, 39.7, 56.1,56.6, 70.6, 94.7, 94.9, 95.2, 102.1, 107.2, 111.8, 127.4, 127.7, 128.0,128.1, 128.2, 128.4, 128.5, 129.0, 137.2, 137.6, 145.0, 157.0, 158.3,159.0, 160.4; MS (ES, m/z) 760 (M+, 10%), 723 (M+−37, 100%); HRMS (ES,m/z) found 760.2229, C₄₅H₄₄ _(O) ₆Br requires 760.2222.

The bromide (2.8 g, 4.0 mmol) gave styrene 42 (1.3 g, 53%) as a whitesolid; mp 103-4° C.; IR ν_(max) 3087, 2932, 1676, 1593, 1497, 1453 cm⁻¹;1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 3.53 (s, 3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 3.65-3.66 (m, 2H,CH₂CH═CH), 5.09 (s, 4H, 2× OCH₂Ph), 5.11 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.14 (s, 2H,OCH₂Ph), 5.25 (s, 2H, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.37-6.38 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CH═CH), 6.42 (d,1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.54 (t, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 6.57 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH),6.64 (s, 1H, ArH), 6.65 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.34-7.56 (m, 20H, ArH); 13C NMR(100 MHz, CDCI₃) d 27.0, 56.6, 70.4, 70.5, 70.6, 70.7, 94.7, 95.0, 95.1,101.1, 105.8, 108.3, 110.9, 127.6, 127.7, 128.0, 128.1, 128.3, 128.4,128.5, 129.0, 129.1, 129.9, 130.5, 137.3, 137.4, 137.5, 137.7, 140.7,156.9, 158.4, 159.1, 160.5; MS (ES, m/z) 679 (M⁺, 10%), 576 (M⁺−103,100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 679.3167 C₄₅H₄₃O₆ requires 679.3060.

(1R,2R)-1-(3′,5′-Dibenzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″-O-methoxymethyl-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propane-1,2-diol(43). In an identical manner to the preparation of 35 styrene 42 (1.4 g,2.3 mmol) gave 43 as a white solid (1.2 g, 82%, 75% ee by HPLC24) thatwas then recrystallised (80% Et₂O/EtOAc) to give enantiomerically pure43 (670 mg, 46%); mp 84-6° C.; IR ν_(max) 3520, 2928, 1594, 1151 cm⁻¹;1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) d 2.99-3.10 (m, 2H, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 3.55 (s,3H, OCH₂OCH₃), 4.06-4.09 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 4.60 (d, 1H, J 4.5,ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 5.11 (s, 4H, 2× OCH₂Ph), 5.13 (s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.14(s, 2H, OCH₂Ph), 5.25 (dd, 2H, J 13, 6.7, OCH₂OCH₃), 6.47 (d, 1H, J 2.2,ArH), 6.58 (d, 1H, J 2.2, ArH), 7.00 (t, 1H, J 2.1, ArH), 7.05 (s, 1H,ArH), 7.12 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.40-7.53 (m, 20H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz,CDCl₃) d 27.6, 56.4, 70.1, 70.3, 70.6, 75.7, 76.2, 94.5, 94.7, 94.9,101.2, 105.9, 108.3, 127.3, 127.8, 128.1, 128.2, 128.7, 128.9, 136.6,136.8, 137.0, 143.9, 156.9, 158.1, 159.0, 160.0; MS (ES, m/z) 735 (M⁺,80%), 363 (M⁺−372, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 735.2970, C₄₇H₄₃O₈requires 735.2958; [α]_(D) +3.0° (c 0.1, CH₂Cl₂, at 24° C.).

(1R,2R)-1-(3′,5′-Dibenzyloxyphenyl)-3-(2″-hydroxy-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyphenyl)propane-1,2-diol(44). In an identical manner to the preparation of 36 diol 43 (670 mg,1.0 mmol) gave triol 42 as a white solid (600 mg, 100%); mp 91-2° C.; IRν_(max) 3384, 3031, 2910,1595, 1150 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 2.86(dd, 1H, J 15, 12, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 3.01 (dd, 1H, J 15, 3.7,ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 4.02-4.05 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 4.50 (d, 1H, J5.9, ArCH₂CH(OH)CH(OH)), 4.89-5.00 (m, 8H, 4× OCH₂Ph), 6.26 (d, 1H, J2.3, ArH), 6.31 (d, 1H, J 2.3, ArH), 6.56 (t, 1H, J 2.1 ArH), 6.63 (s,1H, ArH), 6.64 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.18-7.48 (m, 20H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz,CDCl₃) d 27.2, 70.4, 70.5, 77.1, 94.0, 96.3, 102.3, 106.4, 106.7, 127.1,128.0, 128.1, 128.4, 128.5, 128.9, 129.0, 129.1, 137.2, 137.4, 143.5,157.6, 158.3, 159.5, 160.4; MS (ES, m/z) 669 (M⁺,100%); HRMS (ES, m/z)found 669.2855, C₄₃H₄₁O₇ requires 669.2852; [α]_(D) −7.5° (c 4.2,CH₂Cl₂, at 24° C.).

(1S,2R)-1-Bromo-2-formate (45). In an identical manner to thepreparation of 37 triol 44 (550 mg, 0.93 mmol) gave bromo formate 45 asa brown foam (580 mg, 91%). This compound was used immediately withoutpurification or characterisation.

(2R,3R)-3′,5′-Dibenzyloxy-4″,6″-dibenzyloxyflavan (46). In an identicalmanner to the preparation of 38 crude bromo formate 45 (580 mg, 0.90mmol) gave 46 as a colorless oil (222 mg, 45%); IR ν_(max) 3562, 3064,3032, 2925, 1593, 1150 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 1.65 (d, 1H, J5.2, OH), 2.87 (dd, 1H, J 18, 4.4, ArCH₂CHCHO), 2.97 (dd, 1H, J 18, 2.0,ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.19-4.23 (m, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.86 (s, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO),(d, 1H, J 11, OCH₂Ph), 4.88-5.02 (m, 8H, 4× OCH₂Ph), 6.21 (d, 1H, J 2.4,ArH), 6.23 (d, 1H, J 2.4, ArH), 6.53 (t, 1H, J 2.4, ArH), 6.70 (s, 1H,ArH), 6.71 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.21-7.30 (m, 20H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz,CDCl₃) d 28.2, 66.5, 70.0, 70.2, 77.2, 78.6, 94.1, 94.7, 101.0, 101.6,105.4, 127.2, 127.6, 127.9, 128.1, 128.5, 128.6, 136.7, 136.9, 137.0,140.7, 155.1, 158.3, 158.8, 160.2; MS (ES, m/z) 651 (M⁺, 80%), 225(M−426, 100%); HRMS (ES, m/z) found 651.2741, C₄₃H₃₉O₆ requires651.2747; [α]_(D) −17.2° (c 0.8, CH₂Cl₂, at 24° C.).

(−)-3,5-dihydroxy B ring modified (−)-ECg (48). In an identical mannerto the preparation of 47 alcohol 46 (100 mg, 0.17 mmol) was converted tothe globally protected gallate ester (120 mg, 67%); IR ν_(max) 3063,3031, 1714, 1593 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d 3.03 (d, 2H, J 3.2,ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.65 (d, 1H, J 12, OCH₂Ph), 4.73 (d, 1H, J 12, OCH₂Ph),4.86-5.10 (m, 13H, ArCH₂CHCHO, and 6× OCH₂Ph), 5.56-5.57 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 6.23 (d, 1H, J 2.4, ArH), 6.31 (d, 1H, J 2.4, ArH), 6.42(t, 1H, J 2.0, ArH), 6.64 (s, 1H, ArH), 6.65 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.13-7.24 (m,35H, ArH); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) d 26.5, 68.7, 70.0, 70.1, 70.2,71.0, 75.1, 77.9, 94.0, 94.8, 101.0, 101.2, 106.0 109.1, 125.1, 127.3,127.5, 127.6, 127.7, 127.8, 127.9, 128.0, 128.2, 128.4, 128.6, 136.6,136.7, 136.9, 137.5, 138.1, 142.6, 152.4, 155.6, 158.0, 158.9, 160.0,165.1; [α]_(D) −43.8° (c 2.4, CH₂Cl₂, at 24° C.).

A solution of the globally protected gallate ester (120 mg, 0.11 mmol)was hydrogenolysed to give (−)-48 as an off-white solid (18 mg, 37%); IRν_(max) 3332, 1608, 1237 cm⁻¹; 1H NMR (400 MHz, (CD₃)₂CO) d 2.76-2.95(m, 2H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 4.99 (s, 1H, ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.46-5.48 (m, 1H,ArCH₂CHCHO), 5.91-5.93 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.11 (t, 1H, J 2.4, ArH), 6.43-6.44(m, 2H, ArH), 6.88 (s, 2H, ArH), 8.01 (brs, 7H, OH); 13C NMR (100 MHz,(CD₃)₂O) d 20.7, 26.6, 60.8, 66.6, 69.2, 78.1, 95.8, 96.6, 99.1, 102.8,106.0, 110.0, 121.8, 138.8, 139.0, 141.0, 146.0, 156.9, 157.5, 157.8,159.2, 166.1; MS (ES, m/z) 443 (M⁺, 80%), 273 (M⁺−169, 100%); HRMS (ES,m/z) found 443.1017, C₂₂H₁₉O₁₀ requires 443.0978; [α]_(D) −55° (c 2.5,(CH₃)₂O, at 24° C.).

Example 9 Microbiological Evaluation

With the B-ring modified analogues 47 and 48 in hand, their efficacy asmodulators for β-lactam resistance in S. aureus was evaluated bydetermining their capacity to reduce the minimum inhibitoryconcentration (MIC) of oxacillin against MRSA strains BB 568, EMSRA-15and EMSRA-16 (Table 5) TABLE 5 Antibacterial activity of ECg, 47 and 48in combination with MRSA strains MIC (mg/L) MRSA Strain ECg 47 48 B B568 256 >128 128 EMRSA-15 256 >128 64 EMRSA-16 128 128 32^(a) MICs were determined in Mueller-Hinton Broth + 2% salt at 35° C.after 24 h incubation.

The monohydroxylated B-ring analogue 47 possessed little or no intrinsicantibacterial activity against the three NRSA strains and in thisrespect was comparable to ECg (Table 5). Interestingly, the3,5-dihydroxy B-ring analogue 48 showed weak to moderateanti-staphylococcal activity that was significantly higher than thatshown by ECg and analogue 47 suggesting that the position of hydroxylgroups on the B-ring may influence the intrinsic antibacterial activityof ECganalogues. Sub-inhibitory concentrations (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/L)of both compounds were effective in reducing the MIC of all threestrains examined. TABLE 6 ECg Oxacillian MIC^(b) (mg/L) MRSA Strain —6.25 mg/L 12.5 mg/L ECg 25 mg/L ECg BB568 256 1 ≦0.5 ≦0.5 EMRSA-15 32≦0.5 ≦0.5 ≦0.5 EMSRA-16 512 ≦0.5 ≦0.5 ≦0.5^(b)Fixed concentrations of the compound were used (6.25, 12.5 and 25mg/L)

TABLE 7 Compound 47 Oxacillin (MICb (mg/L) MRSA Strain — 6.25 mg/L 12.5mg/L 25 mg/L BB568 256 16 2 ≦0.5 EMSRA-15 32 2 ≦0.5 ≦0.5 EMSRA-16 512 321 ≦0.5

TABLE 8 Compound 48 Oxacillin MICb (Mg/L) MRSA Strain — 6.25 mg/L 12.5mg/L 25 mg/L BB568 256 16 1 ≦0.5 EMSRA-15 32 2 ≦0.5 ≦0.5 EMSRA-16 512 64≦0.5 ≦0.5

At a concentration of 25 mg/L, ECg and the two analogues (47 and 48)fully sensitised each of the three MRSA strains to oxacillin, reducingthe MICs to less than 0.5 mg/L, a figure well below theclinically-relevant breakpoint for β-lactam antbiotics. At 6.25 mg/L ofcatechin gallate, the lowest concentration used in this study, both themonohydroxylated B-ring analogue and the 3,5-dihydroxy B-ring analoguewere less potent than the natural compound.

REFERENCES

Cartula, N, Vera-Samper, E, Villalain, J, Reyes Mateo, C & Micol, V.(2003) The relationship between the antioxidant and the antibacterialproperties of glloylated catechins and the structure of phospholipidmodel membranes. Free Rad. Biol. Med. 34:648-662.

Hamilton-Miller, J M T & Shah, S. (1999) Disorganization of celldivision of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by a componentof tea (Camellia sinensis): a study by electron microscopy. FEMSMicrobiol. Lett. 176:463-469.

Hashimoto, T, Kumazawa, S, Nanjo, F, Hara, Y & Nakayama, T. (1999)Interaction of tea catechins with lipid bilayers investigated withliposome systems. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 63:2252-2255.

Kajiya, K, Kumazawa, S & Nakayama, T. (2001) Steric effects oninteraction of tea catechins with lipid bilayers. Biosci. Biotechnol.Biochem. 65:2638-2643.

Kajiya, K, Kumazawa, S & Nakayama, T. (2002) Effects of external factorson the interaction of tea catechins with lipid bilayers. Biosci.Biotechnol. Biochem. 66:2330-2335.

Kohri, T., Matsumoto, N., Yamakawa, M., Suziki, M., Nanjo, F., Hara, Y.,Oku, N. (2001) Metabolic fate of (−)-(4-3H) epigallocatechin gallate inrats after oral administration. J. Agricul. & Food chem., 49: 4102-4112.

Nakayama, T, Ono, K & Hashimoto, K. (1998) Affinity of antioxidativepolyphenols for lipid bilayers evaluated with a liposme system. Biosci.Biotechnol. Biochem. 62:1005-1007.

Stapleton, P D & Taylor, P W. (2002) Methicillin resistance inStaphylococcus aureus: mechanisms and modulation. Sci. Progr. 85:57-72.

Stapleton, P D, Shah, S, Anderson, J C, Hara, Y, Hamilton-Miller, J M T& Taylor, P W. (2004) Modulation of β-lactam resistance inStaphylococcus aureus by catechins and gallates. Int. J. Antimicrob.Agents, 2315 23: 462-7.

Yam, T S, Shah, S & Hamilton-Miller, J M T. (1997) Microbiologicalactivity of whole and fractionated crude extracts of tea (Camelliasinensis), and of tea components. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 152:169-174.

Yam, T S, Hamilton-Miller, J M T & Shah, S. (1998) The effect of acomponent of tea (Camellia sinensis) on methicillin resistance, PBP2′synthesis, and β-lactamase production in Staphylococcus aureus. J.Antimicrob. Chemother. 42:211-216.

Yamashita, S., Yokoma, K., Matsumiya, N. & Yamaguchi, H. (2001)Successful green tea nebulization therapy for subglottic trachealstenosis due to MRSA infection, J. Infect., 42:222-223.

1. A compound of the general formula I

in which R⁸ to R¹⁰ are individually selected from the group consistingof hydrogen, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, trialkylsilyl and acyl; R¹ to R⁵ areindividually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy,C₁₋₆ alkoxy and acyloxy; R⁶ and R⁷ are each selected from the groupconsisting of H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, trialkylsilyl and acyl; X is O or NR, and Ris H or Me; in which any of the alkyl groups including alkyl groups inalkoxy, acyl and acyloxy groups may be substituted by one or more aryl,C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, hydroxyl, trialkylsiloxy or acyloxy groups;with the proviso that R² and R³ are not both OH when R⁴ is H or OH, R¹and R⁵ are both H, and X is O.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 inwhich each of R¹ to R⁵ is selected from hydrogen or hydroxy.
 3. Acompound according to claim 2 in which one or two of R¹ to R⁵ is/arehydroxy.
 4. A compound according to claim 2 in which R² is OH.
 5. Acompound according to claim 4 in which R⁴ is H or OH and R¹, R³ and R⁵are H.
 6. A compound according to claim 2 in which R³ is OH and theremainder of R¹—R⁵ are H.
 7. A compound according to claim 2 in whichfour of R¹—R⁵ are OH.
 8. A compound according to claim 1 in which X isO.
 9. A compound according to claim 1 in which X is NR.
 10. A compoundaccording to claim 9 in which R is H.
 11. A compound according to claim9 wherein R² and R³ are not both OH when R¹, R⁴ and R⁵ are H.
 12. Acompound according to claim 1 in which each of R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ is H. 13.A compound according to claim 1 in which R⁶ and R⁷ are H.
 14. A compoundaccording to claim I which has the structure Ia or Ib


15. A compound according to claim 14 which has formula Ib.
 16. Acompound according to claim 14 wherein X is NR.
 17. A compound accordingto claim 15 wherein X is NR.
 18. A method of treatment of methicillinresistant S. aureus infection in a human in which a compound accordingto claim 1 is administered to the human.
 19. Method according to claim18 in which a β-lactam antibiotic is also administered to the human inthe treatment.
 20. A composition comprising a compound as claimed inclaim 1 and a carrier.
 21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising thecompound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutical excipient.
 22. A compositionaccording to claim 21 further comprising a β-lactam antibiotic.
 23. Amethod of synthesising an ester or amide product in which a compound ofthe formula II

in which X¹ is 0 or NR²¹; R¹¹—R¹⁵ are either H or OR²²; R²¹ is H or Me;the or each R²² is a hydroxyl protecting group; and R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are eacha hydroxyl protecting group, is reacted with an acylating compound ofthe formula III

in which each of R¹⁸, R¹⁹ and R²⁰ is a hydroxyl protecting group and Lis a leaving group to produce a compound of the formula IV

in which X¹ and R¹¹—R²⁰ have the same meanings as in the startingcompounds.
 24. A method according to claim 23 in which the compound offormula IV is subjected to one or more hydroxyl deprotection steps inwhich some or all of the groups R¹⁶—R²⁰ are replaced by hydrogen and anyof R¹¹—R¹⁵ which are OR²² are replaced by OH.
 25. A method according toclaim 23 in which X¹ is O.
 26. A method according to claim 23 in whichX¹ is NR²¹.
 27. A method according to claim 26 in which R²¹ is hydrogenand in which the compound of formula IV is methylated with a methylatingreagent to replace the N-hydrogen atom of X¹ by a methyl group, toproduce a final compound having formula IV in which X¹ is NMe.
 28. Amethod according to claim 26 including the preliminary step of producingthe compound of formula II wherein X is NR²¹ by reductive amination of acompound of the formula V

in which the groups R¹¹ to R¹⁷ have the same meanings as in the compoundII with an amine reagent of general formula VIH₂NR₂₃   VI in which R²³ is hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aralkylgroup, and a reducing agent to produce a compound of formula VII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ and R²³ have the same meanings as in the respectivestarting compounds.
 29. A method according to claim 28 in which NR²³ inthe compound of formula VII is different to NR²¹ in the amine compoundof the formula II which includes the step of replacing the group R²³ ofthe compound of the formula VII by a group R²¹ which is a hydrogen atomor a methyl group prior to the reaction of II with acylating compound ofthe formula III.
 30. A method according to claim 29 in which R²³ isbenzyl.
 31. A method according to claim 28 which includes a preliminarystep in which the compound of formula V is produced by oxidation of analcohol compound of the formula VIII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ have the same meanings as in the compound of formulaV, using an oxidising agent.
 32. A method according to claim 31 in whichthe oxidising agent is Dess-Martin periodinane.
 33. A compound offormula IX

in which each of R²⁴ to R²⁸ is hydrogen or a protected hydroxyl group;and each of and R²⁹ and R³⁰ is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group.34. A method of synthesising the compound of claim 33 by oxidation of analcohol compound of the formula XI

in which R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each hydroxyl protecting groups and each ofR¹¹—R¹⁵ is H or a protected hydroxyl group, using an oxidising agent,preferably Dess-Martin periodinane, wherein in the method any or all ofgroups R¹¹—R¹⁵, OR¹⁶ or OR¹⁷ which represents a protected hydroxyl groupmay be deprotected.
 35. A compound of formula X

in which each of R³¹—R³⁵ is hydrogen or a protected hydroxyl group; eachof R³⁶ and R³⁷ is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; and R³⁸ ishydrogen, methyl or an amine protecting group.
 36. A compound accordingto claim 35 in which each R³⁶ and R³⁷ are the same hydroxyl protectinggroup and R³⁸ is benzyl.
 37. A method of synthesising the compound ofclaim 35 by reductive amination of a compound of the formula V

in which the groups R¹¹—R¹⁵ are each hydrogen or a protected hydroxylgroup and R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group,with an amine reagent of general formula XIIH₂NR³⁹   XII in which R³⁹ is hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aralkylgroup, and a reducing agent and if necessary, converting R³⁹ into R³⁸ insubsequent step(s), and/or deprotecting any or all of groups R¹¹ to R¹⁵,OR¹⁶ and OR¹⁷ which represents a hydroxyl protected group.
 38. Acompound of formula XIII

in which each of R⁴⁰—R⁴⁴ is H, hydroxyl or a protected hydroxyl group;and R⁴⁵ and R⁴⁶ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group.
 39. Amethod of synthesising the compound of formula XIII according to claim38 by reacting an alkene of formula XIV

wherein each of R¹¹—R¹⁵ is H, hydroxyl or a protected hydroxyl, and R¹⁶and R¹⁷ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group and R⁴⁷ is ahydroxyl protecting group; with a dihydroxylation reagent to give thecorresponding diol of the formula XV

followed by reaction with an acetyl halide, ring closure and ifnecessary, deprotection of any or all of groups R¹¹ to R¹⁵, OR¹⁶, OR¹⁷and R⁴⁷ to give the compound of formula XIII.
 40. A method according toclaim 39 wherein the halide is bromide.
 41. A method according to claim39 in which the compound of formula XIV is synthesised by reaction ofXVI with XVII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ have the same meanings as in the compound of formulaXV; to give a compound of general formula XVIII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ and R⁴⁷ have the same meanings as in the compound offormula XV, followed by reduction and elimination to give the compoundof formula XIV.
 42. A method according to claim 40 in which the compoundof formula XIV is synthesised by reaction of XVI with XVII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ have the same meanings as in the compound of formulaXV; to give a compound of general formula XVIII

in which R¹¹ to R¹⁷ and R⁴⁷ have the same meanings as in the compound offormula XV, followed by reduction and elimination to give the compoundof formula XIV.
 43. A compound of formula XIX

wherein each of R⁴⁸—R⁵² is H, hydroxyl or a protected hydroxyl and R⁵³—R⁵⁷ are each H or a hydroxyl protecting group.
 44. A compound offormula XX

wherein each of R⁴⁸—R⁵² is H, hydroxyl, or a protected hydroxyl and R⁵³,R⁵⁴ and R⁵⁵ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group.
 45. Acompound of formula XXI

wherein each of R⁴⁸—R⁵² is H, hydroxyl, or a protected hydroxyl and R⁵³,R⁵⁴ and R⁵⁵ are each hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group.